President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially opened the MTC Kasi Vibe Festival ahead of its public opening on 31 July, setting the stage for a vibrant weekend of entrepreneurship, innovation, culture and a space where Namibia’s talents are celebrated while creating meaningful economic opportunities.

Running until Sunday, 2 August at Brakwater Recreational Park, the festival continues to grow beyond entertainment into a platform that empowers entrepreneurs, supports small businesses, showcases local creativity and contributes to Namibia’s socio-economic development.

Officially opening the festival, Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the importance of public private partnership efforts to empower young people through entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable economic participation.

“Government, business and communities must work together to create an opportunity that people can use for the benefit of all,” she said.

“As we look ahead, we need to shift the strategies from hosting events to building creative infrastructures. Let us bridge the gap between passion and sustainable creative cultures.”

The President expressed that “Namibia’s youthful population is one of the country’s greatest strengths and I encourage young people to seize opportunities that transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.

“Aspiring entrepreneurs, you must recognise the value of your ideas and never negotiate from a position of poverty but embrace collaboration as a pathway to long-term success.”

The President further called on government, the private sector and communities to continue working together to expand access to mentorship, funding, skills development, digital infrastructure and markets, emphasising that youth empowerment remains central to Namibia’s development agenda.

At the event MTC Managing Director Dr Licky Erastus said MTC’s partnership with the festival reflects the company’s commitment to creating opportunities that uplift communities and stimulate economic growth.

“At MTC, initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for our people are a necessity. We remain committed to supporting platforms that stimulate economic activity, empower young people and contribute to Namibia’s socio-economic development.

“Kasi Vibe is more than a festival; it is a platform where entrepreneurship, creativity and community come together to create lasting impact.”

Throughout the festival, exhibitors and vendors will utilise MTC Maris as the preferred cashless payment solution, promoting safer, faster and more transparent transactions while supporting small businesses and strengthening Namibia’s digital economy.

Reflecting on the festival’s journey, MTC Kasi Vibe Festival Co-founder Salmi Shigwedha said the event was born from a vision to create opportunities where none previously existed.

“We had the talent, ambition and ideas, yet many people did not have access to a platform where they could showcase them. Instead of accepting that limitation, we envisioned creating a space where entrepreneurs, artists and communities could come together to showcase their talents, grow their businesses and celebrate the richness of Namibian culture.

“That vision became the foundation of everything we continue to build today.”

She said the festival has grown from a community initiative into a nationally recognised event, with its success measured not only by attendance but by the opportunities it creates for entrepreneurs, artists and local businesses.

Shigwedha also acknowledged MTC and the festival’s partners for believing in the vision and helping transform MTC Kasi Vibe into a platform that continues to strengthen the creative economy and contribute to Namibia’s economic development.

As thousands of festivalgoers prepare to descend on Brakwater Recreational Park this weekend, attendees can look forward to an exciting programme of live entertainment, cultural performances, sporting activities, food experiences, exhibitions and entrepreneurial showcases that celebrate the very best of Namibian talent and innovation.

The MTC Kasi Vibe Festival opens to the public on Friday, 31 July, and runs until Sunday, 2 August 2026. Tickets are still available through Webtickets and selected MTC Maris outlets, with the public encouraged to secure their tickets and be part of one of Namibia’s biggest celebrations of culture, entrepreneurship and community.

In the photo: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and MTC MD Dr Ricky Erastus during the official opening of Kasi Vibe Festival.